Other277 views·Updated Jun 13, 2026·3 pages

Postnatal Baby Checks - GCSE Child Development Guide

Tati@tatisotheraccount_

Add to Google sources

When babies are born, doctors and midwives carry out several...

1 / 3

of 3

# 1

The Newborn Baby - page 38 Revision Guide
Task 1
Apgar Score - Routine checks

- Routine Checks that are normally carried out on newbor

The Apgar Score - First Health Check

Ever wondered what happens in those crucial first minutes after birth? The Apgar score is like a quick MOT test for newborns, checking five vital signs at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery.

Doctors use the acronym APGAR to remember what to check: Appearance (skin colour), Pulse (heartbeat), Grimace (reflex response), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing). Each area gets scored 0, 1, or 2 points, with a maximum total of 10.

Most healthy babies score around 9 out of 10 - they often lose a point for having slightly blue hands and feet, which is completely normal. If a baby scores under 6 after 5 minutes, a paediatrician steps in to help.

Quick Tip: Low scores indicate different levels of asphyxia (lack of oxygen) - scores of 5-7 show mild issues, 3-4 moderate problems, and 0-2 need emergency treatment.

of 3

Newborn Skin Marks and Protective Coverings

Don't panic if your newborn has unusual marks or coverings - most are completely normal! Birthmarks like salmon patches $red marks on face/neck$ , Mongolian spots (bluish patches often on the bottom), and strawberry marks (raised red bumps) are common and usually fade by age 4-7.

You might also notice vernix - a white, waxy coating that protected the baby's skin in the womb. This natural moisturiser absorbs into the skin on its own, so there's no need to wash it off immediately.

Lanugo is fine hair that kept baby warm in the womb. It typically sheds before birth or within a few days after, so don't worry if your newborn looks a bit fuzzy at first!

Remember: These skin features are signs your baby developed normally in the womb - they're nothing to worry about.

of 3

Physical Checks and Baby Reflexes

After the initial Apgar assessment, medical staff perform a thorough physical examination covering everything from weight and length to checking fingers, toes, hips, and internal organs. They'll test vision by shining lights in baby's eyes and check the mouth's roof to ensure proper feeding ability.

Baby reflexes are fascinating automatic responses that show the nervous system is working properly. The sucking reflex helps with feeding, whilst the rooting reflex helps babies find the breast when their cheek is touched.

Other key reflexes include the grasp reflex (babies automatically grip your finger), stepping reflex (making walking movements when held upright), and the startle reflex (tensing up when surprised). These reflexes gradually disappear as baby's brain develops more control.

Fun Fact: These reflexes are evolutionary leftovers that once helped human babies survive - the grasp reflex was essential when our ancestors lived in trees!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Other

Other

T-level Education and Early years (teaching assistant)

Elements 1-3

1252915

Other

Child Development & Education Insights

Explore key themes in child development and education, including self-esteem, cognitive theories, and the impact of family dynamics. This comprehensive resource is designed for students preparing for exams in early years education and childcare, providing essential knowledge on legislation, developmental psychology, and educational practices. Perfect for revision and understanding the complexities of child welfare and educational frameworks.

123,440103

Other

Technology and Ethics in Sport

Explore the impact of technology on sports performance, safety, and officiating, alongside the ethical considerations surrounding participation and doping. This summary covers key concepts such as sportsmanship, barriers to participation, and the role of governing bodies in promoting inclusivity. Ideal for GCSE sports studies students seeking to understand socio-cultural influences and ethical issues in sports.

1056612

Combined Science

science-reproduction ks3

science quiz about reproduction

72743

Other

Understanding Judicial Precedent

Explore the principles of judicial precedent, including binding and persuasive precedents, the hierarchy of courts, and key cases like R v Phillips and Pepper v Hart. This summary provides insights into how courts apply the doctrine of stare decisis and the implications for legal decision-making.

1252412

Other

operating system computer science gcse

what is operating system and 5 key purposes

101680

Business

Business Questionnaire

Test your knowledge!

131660

Other

cross currical quiz!

hope you enjoy

101111

History

AQA History - Elizabethan England - All information - Specification Included

Grade 8+ Terminology- this will help you pass your gcses - Good luck!

103248

Most popular content

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

12102,8093,040

Sociology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

1273,5592,306

Criminology

Criminology: Crime & Punishment Overview

Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.

1254,8531,059

Sociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

1251,6321,399

English Literature

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

1025,412907

Criminology

WJEC Unit 4 Criminology

Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note

127,146125

Biology

Cell Biology and Cell structure

cell structures

93,1870

Criminology

Criminology Theories Overview

Explore key criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance. This comprehensive summary covers biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, including labelling theory, right realism, and the impact of social campaigns on policy development. Ideal for A-Level criminology students seeking to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the factors influencing crime prevention strategies.

129,754210

English Literature

Romeo and Juliet: Key themes

Key Romeo and Juliet themes and analysed quotes

106,695198

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.6/5App Store

4.7/5Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan SiOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha KlichAndroid user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

AnnaiOS user

Other277 views·Updated Jun 13, 2026·3 pages

Postnatal Baby Checks - GCSE Child Development Guide

Tati@tatisotheraccount_

Add to Google sources

When babies are born, doctors and midwives carry out several important checks to make sure everything's working properly. These tests help spot any problems early and ensure your little one gets the best start in life.

of 3

The Apgar Score - First Health Check

Ever wondered what happens in those crucial first minutes after birth? The Apgar score is like a quick MOT test for newborns, checking five vital signs at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery.

Quick Tip: Low scores indicate different levels of asphyxia (lack of oxygen) - scores of 5-7 show mild issues, 3-4 moderate problems, and 0-2 need emergency treatment.

of 3

Newborn Skin Marks and Protective Coverings

Lanugo is fine hair that kept baby warm in the womb. It typically sheds before birth or within a few days after, so don't worry if your newborn looks a bit fuzzy at first!

Remember: These skin features are signs your baby developed normally in the womb - they're nothing to worry about.

of 3

Physical Checks and Baby Reflexes

Fun Fact: These reflexes are evolutionary leftovers that once helped human babies survive - the grasp reflex was essential when our ancestors lived in trees!